Tag: 3BL

Originally published by Forbes.com on Jul 17, 2023

The first Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 brought together political leaders, scientists, journalists and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from 179 countries to examine the impact of human activities on the environment.

“Only a handful of business leaders were invited, and when one of them was making a speech in the plenary room, he was booed off the stage after 90 seconds,” said Peter Bakker, CEO of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). “In those days, business was considered the source of environmental problems and had no place at this type of meeting.”

When Bakker was invited on stage at SAP SAPPHIRE in Barcelona by Sebastian Steinhaeuser, SAP Chief Strategy Officer, he was received with rapt attention from the audience. He was there to highlight the impact of business on the road to net-zero.

Continue reading here.

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

By Zoe Ashbridge

Everyone needs to develop a support system for better mental health. We’re wired for connection and community. And we may need different communities – or support systems – for different parts of our life.

For entrepreneurs, building a business might feel less isolating and overwhelming, but if you develop a support system of like-minded individuals, you can count on people having your back. It turns out that a good support system will benefit your mental health, too.

In this article, we’re exploring what a support system is, the benefits of having a strong support system, and how to develop your own support network to let your mental health thrive.

What is a support system?

A support system is a network of people who provide emotional, social, and even professional support.

Your support system can include family members, friends, coworkers, and mentors. You may even develop a team of professionals as a separate support system — for example, therapists and support groups.

In business, your support system might even be an online community. As part of my support system, I have a small group who chat predominately on LinkedIn Messenger. Even this group of online friends who I’ve never met in real life is incredible for my mental health and, in turn, my business. Other online support systems live in Facebook groups, Slack, Discord, and more.

Benefits of a strong support system

Your support system is a crucial component of your mental health. Your community provides a sense of security, belonging, and validation. Having a strong support system benefits mental health, but also, other areas of life can thrive with the right support.

A good support system can:

1. Reduce stress

Sharing problems in a safe space helps us to feel heard and validated, our stress levels decrease, and we can approach challenges with a clearer mind. I’m sure we can all relate to a good rant with a friend, only to feel infinitely better after.

Reducing stress through support doesn’t need to be official or feel stuffy. A simple talk with friends or family can help us identify and label emotions allowing us to process them and become less reactive, and more mindful.

So, next time you feel in over your head, give a friend a call.

2. Improve self-esteem

When we have a support system that believes in us, we are more likely to believe in ourselves. This can lead to increased self-esteem and confidence. Your sense of confidence will give you the courage to pursue your goals and dreams. And, with a better mental state, you’re more likely to seize the opportunities as they arise.

3. Beat impostor syndrome

Most entrepreneurs are well-versed in the term impostor syndrome. Jessica Vanderlan, PhD, is quoted sharing that the benefits of sharing your impostor feelings with trusted support systems can help reduce loneliness and give others an option to share how they see you.

This can help your perspective on a situation. Vanderlan does express the importance of sharing with trusted individuals and avoiding sharing imposter syndrome feelings with those who are likely to compete.

It is a good support system that will reap the most benefits for you mentally.

4. Enhance coping skills

Difficult times are inevitable, but when you develop a support system, it can improve our ability to cope. We can learn from others’ experiences and gain perspective on our own challenges, allowing us to approach them with greater resilience.

Managing conflict and coping with situations as they arise means we’re better prepared for the future, too. Harvard Business Review found that, ‘resilience is not purely an individual characteristic, but is also heavily enabled by strong relationships and networks’. Also, that, ‘The ability to bounce back from setbacks is often described as the difference between successful and unsuccessful people.’

So, your support network could be the difference to you reaching your goals.

How to develop your support network & let your mental health thrive

There’s an art to building a support system, and it may take some time to identify those who truly want to be vulnerable with you, listen to you, and support you in thriving.

Here are some strategies for developing your own trusted support network:

1. Actively work on your self-esteem

It all starts with your own self-esteem. Research shows that a better self-esteem leads to better relations, but the reverse can be true, too. So, if you’re struggling with self-esteem you can look for good networks of people to build this.

Better self-esteem means you’re more likely to engage with people who are healthy for you.

To improve your own self-esteem you can try practicing daily affirmations, engaging in activities that bring you joy, and prioritizing your physical and emotional health. Try and get outside every day, step away from your work and indulge in whatever it is that brings you peace.

2. Strengthen connections with family members & friends

Family members and friends can be some of the most critical members of your support system. To strengthen these connections, make time for regular phone calls, text messages, or video chats. Plan outings or activities that you can enjoy together, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Your family and friends may be some of the most underrated support groups, since good friends and family are always there. Still, the act of being together, and chatting through problems — even casually — is going to reap the benefits for your mental health.

3. Consider joining a support group for people like yourself

There will be more support groups in your local area than you don’t know about yet. And when we consider that there are online support groups, you are guaranteed to find a place where you fit in and can benefit from solid support networks.

Support groups can be a great way to connect with others who are going through similar experiences.

You can also find groups based on interests through sites like Meetup.com. Or, you could search Facebook Groups as well as local newspapers.

4. Make time for your own hobbies & interests

Making time for yourself and your own hobbies feels like a no-brainer, but in the world of entrepreneurship, two things can happen: either you find yourself grinding away at your business, promising to take that all-important self-care, later, but, of course, later never arrives. Or, you make the error of monetizing too many hobbies and interests.

Keep some hobbies profit-free and just for fun. You need to give your brain time to relax in order to be in the best place to develop good support networks and you don’t want everything tied into work somehow .

5. Expand your network of people by making new friends

While it can be challenging to make new friends, putting yourself out there can pay off in the long run. Attend social events, join clubs or groups that align with your interests, or volunteer for a cause you care about. This can help you to expand your network of people and build new connections.

I’ve joined running clubs in the past and triathlon groups. These types of activities are amazing for mental health anyway and you get the side benefit of making new friends who will love you!

Conclusion: A healthy support system is key to emotional health

It becomes clear that a strong support system is a crucial component of mental health and more. By looking after your mental health and staying true to your most basic needs, the need for community and validation, you can thrive in many areas of life

Whether it’s emotional, social, or professional support, having a network of people who believe in you and support you can make all the difference.

Take the time to develop your support system, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Your mental health will thank you.

I began in the role of Chair of the Global Sustainability Standards Board (GSSB) just over three months ago – a relatively short space of time yet much has happened already. We often refer to the GRI Standards as being ‘continuously updated’ and, with an expanding team, that certainly rings true. All the more reason to regularly share with our stakeholders updates about the work and priorities of the GSSB.

It’s worth starting with a reminder of who and what the GSSB is. Formed in 2016 when GRI transitioned from creating sustainability reporting guidelines to setting global standards, we are an independent group of 15 multi-stakeholder experts, drawn from different geographical areas, with sole responsibility for setting the GRI Standards.

We oversee the work of GRI Standards Division in the delivery of our work program, which highlights the standard setting activities prioritized for 2023-2025. We meet every month, including public live-streamed sessions, to review and decide standard setting progress and priorities.

At our last monthly meeting, we discussed the following standards projects, currently in progress:

StandardStatusMining Sector StandardPublic comment period closed at end of April, with 93 submissions received, which are now being assessed ahead of the Standard being finalized.Biodiversity Topic StandardPublic comment period concluded in April and next stage revisions now underway, with final Standard expected in Q1 next year.Textiles and Apparel Sector StandardTo cover textile production, manufacturing and retail, with Working Group recruitment process concluded and next steps to be announced soon.Financial Services Sector StandardsNew project covering standards for banking, insurance and capital markets, with a Technical Committee to be appointed in July.Climate Change Topic StandardsMajor update process to update for all climate related standards, with disclosure drafts for six standards under development.Labor Topic StandardsDrafting process for the first set of four revised labor-related standards is taking place.Economic Impact Topic StandardsApproval granted for a project proposal, and preparatory work has now started.

The GSSB fully appreciates that our work does not take place in isolation, and we regularly cooperate and collaborate with other standard setters and transparency initiatives, to further our purpose of providing the world’s leading and most comprehensive sustainability reporting standards, driving accountability for corporate impacts and their management. At present, that includes two significant developments that I’m sure you heard about: the IFRS Sustainability Disclosures Standards, and the new European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). Together with the Chief Standards Officer, Bastian Buck, I have also been talking with national standard setters and regulators interested in understanding more about our Standards and how to increase the level of GRI reporting in their countries.

As part of the GRI-IFRS MoU, the GSSB and the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) are working together so that disclosed corporate sustainability information covers impacts, risks and opportunities. Impacts reported under GRI Standards are important to investors as well as all other stakeholders. Organizations that apply GRI for determining and reporting their impacts are well placed to determine the risks and opportunities to their organization arising from those impacts when using IFRS standards. Other activities in the MoU are focused on capacity building and are planned for later this year and early next year.

Similarly, we have provided input to EFRAG for the development of the ESRS, the latest versions of which are as closely aligned as possible with the GRI Standards. What this means is that companies that use GRI Standards are well placed to comply with existing ESRS and will be better prepared for future European reporting requirements.

The GSSB is seeking to ensure that organizations can easily understand how GRI reporting relates to emerging disclosure needs. To that end, we are working with the ISSB, ESRS and national standard setters on projects such as technical mapping, creating XBRL taxonomies and reviewing draft standards. We are also clarifying our position on how the GRI Standards relate to ISSB and ESRS, through a proposed change in GRI 1.

While standard setting may never stop, pausing to consider the views and needs of others is always a good idea. It’s central to our multi-stakeholder ethos. We are particularly keen to hear from organisations that have developed their sustainability reporting through ‘with reference to’ GRI Standards (as in GRI 1), and we are also looking for good practice reporting by public sector organisations. Please get in touch to share such examples with the GSSB, as well as any other feedback you may have. We really do value your input.

Dr Carol Adams

Chair of the GSSB

Across the country, LGBTQ+ youth face challenges that are negatively affecting their mental health. Some find themselves not feeling accepted by their family or friends, or being verbally harassed at school. Many are affected by a slew of new bills that regulate everything from what bathrooms individuals can use to whether people have access to gender-affirming healthcare.

“The current social environment and political landscape are taking a toll on the mental health of LGBTQ+ young people,” says Dr. Myeshia Price (she/they), Director of Research Science at The Trevor Project. “This is a serious cause for concern, and these issues aren’t going anywhere until we actively take steps to identify and address them.”

But just how difficult things are for LGBTQ+ youth isn’t always easy to quantify. The Trevor Project, the leading suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ+ young people in the United States and a Gilead Foundation grantee, has led the charge in identifying exactly where young people need help. In the organization’s thorough and widely distributed national surveys, tens of thousands of young people across the United States are asked up to 150 questions about their mental health and lived experiences.

The Trevor Project Data 
This year, The Trevor Project surveyed more than 28,000 people ages 13-24 for its 2023 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People, and uncovered some difficult truths: 41% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year, 56% stated they couldn’t access mental healthcare and more than 60% said their homes weren’t affirming of their gender and sexuality.

There are nuances to the data as well. For example, youth who are transgender or nonbinary and/or people of color reported higher rates of suicidal ideation. Capturing the complexities of this information is something Myeshia sees as a personal mission.

“As a Black queer person, I’ve always been interested in conducting research that illustrates and uplifts intersectionality, and really examining people’s experiences in relation to the multiple identities that they hold,” explains Myeshia. “Our experiences and needs can vary dramatically depending on our sexual orientation, gender identity, race/ethnicity, ability and a combination of all of these intersecting identities.”

Accurately capturing the experiences of LGBTQ+ people is one challenge, but addressing them is another. The Trevor Project offers free, 24/7 crisis services via phone, chat and text, and runs TrevorSpace, a safe space social networking site where LGBTQ+ youth can find peer-to-peer support. The latter is particularly important. “Our research over the years has consistently found that when LGBTQ+ young people have access to affirming spaces, their odds of suicide risk can lower significantly,” says Myeshia. With the rise in social media, online resources can be particularly helpful for those living in places without a safe in-person community.

Born This Way Foundation Kindness Efforts 
The Trevor Project isn’t alone in addressing the urgent and unmet mental health needs of youth. Among the organizations doing work in this area for young people and LGBTQ+ youth specifically is Born This Way Foundation, a Gilead grantee launched by Lady Gaga and her mom, Cynthia Germanotta. Through its recently published research study, Kind Communities: Perspectives from LGBTQ+ Young People, the organization shares direct insights from LGBTQ+ youth and assesses how communities have been perceiving and experiencing kindness, taking into account the specific challenges LGBTQ+ youth currently face across the United States.

“Throughout our parenting journey, my husband and I always made an effort to listen and engage in conversations about our daughters’ emotions. However, we realized that at times, we struggled to provide the best support or direct them to the right resources,” says Cynthia. “Driven by our dedication to supporting young individuals, our foundation strives to make kindness cool, validate emotions and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health.”

Born This Way Foundation uses its research and mission to produce a number of programs, including Channel Kindness, a digital platform where young people can find and share stories, take action and bring kindness into their daily lives; the Be There Certificate, a free, online course to help young people learn how to support one another’s’ mental health; and #BeKind365, a daily pledge encouraging acts of kindness to oneself, loved ones, community and planet every day from any location.

Despite the many challenges young people face, the worrying mental health statistics, and the rise of anti-trans legislation, Cynthia is hopeful for the future.

“I’m constantly in awe of this generation of young people we work with every day who motivate us to work toward the kinder and braver world they envision and deserve,” says Cynthia. “With each step forward, we’re acutely aware that we are shaping a movement that will leave a lasting legacy.”

Myeshia also notes that the work is tough, but like Cynthia, she draws motivation from those she works to protect. “I continue to be inspired by the ways that LGBTQ+ young people fight back. Their fight gives me a lot of hope, even in these challenging times. Our mission to end suicide among LGBTQ+ young people is a daunting one, and we can’t do it alone.”

Originally published by Gilead Sciences.

Originally published in Paramount’s 2021-2022 Environmental, Social, and Governance Report

The physical and mental wellbeing of our employees and contractors is a top priority for Paramount, and one that we can never ignore. During 2021, like many companies, our focus remained on navigating the ongoing pandemic while planning for the company’s future.

Mental Health & Well-Being 

We have experienced unprecedented strain on our collective mental health over the past few years. For many, these stresses have been compounded by the extended transition to remote work models and a blurring between work and life boundaries.

At Paramount, we recognize we have an opportunity to address these challenges and provide targeted support to our employees. We offer confidential mental health resources to support our employees and their families year-round. CCA@YourService – a free service offering 24/7 mental health resources by phone and short-term counseling – serves as our Employee Assistance Program around the globe. We also offer accessible mental health care and meditation apps like Ginger, Thrive Global, and Headspace to facilitate employee self-care. In 2021, Paramount enrolled in Ginger’s pilot program, Ginger for Teens, to help covered adolescents in select U.S. states access emotional support coaches. These resources are provided to employees globally, including to part-time workers and contractors.

In 2021, we offered several wellness-related webinars for employees and their families, including a Q&A session with a leading expert on burnout, as well as a webinar available on our Thrive Global offerings.

In October of 2021, we also rolled out a new weight-management program called FULLFILL for eligible Paramount employees and their dependents.

Returning to the Office and Our Ongoing COVID-19 Response 

After more than two years of mostly remote work, returning to the pre-COVID days of in-office workdays requires an adjustment. At Paramount, we organized a cross-functional Return-To-Office (RTO) Task Force to build a phased plan as we arrive at a “new normal” of hybrid work.

In 2021, the RTO Task Force, led by a member of our Finance team, spans many departments across the company. The team worked closely with our Chief Technology Officer to create a return-to-work blueprint that focuses on intentional collaboration and flexibility. Under the plan, approximately 76% of our U.S. workforce will use a hybrid model, 8% will be fully remote, and 16% will be required to work in-office. We assigned these options based on role, rather than on individual employees, and have regular check-ins with employees as they settle into their “new normal.” We have also focused on training managers and employees to better equip them to navigate this transition.

In addition, we began a Commuter Community program in New York City and Los Angeles to connect employees along similar commuter routes as they return to the office, with commuter and public safety being top of mind.

To ensure safe protocols within the office, we instituted a vaccine requirement for our workforce and encouraged, but did not require, a vaccine booster. Our masking policy, as of the time of publication of this report, is to encourage anyone who wants to wear a mask in office environments to wear one. We have also established new health offerings for certain locations, like an on-site nurse station in our New York office. We began a phased return to the office in March of 2022, with hybrid work schedules beginning in April.

Ensuring Worker Safety and Health

The safety of employees, production staff, and other professionals who power our daily work is a key area of the “social” component of our ESG approach.

At our production sites, offices, and other work sites, our people face a variety of physical risks as they are rigging lighting, moving equipment, and performing other tasks that bring our sets to life and support our operations. To address these risks, we develop hazard-reduction, avoidance, and mitigation plans, and formulate policies as needed, overseen by our Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) teams.

Production team members are required to attend daily safety meetings that serve as an overview of potential on-set safety hazards that day. In 2021, all production staff were required to complete mandatory COVID-19 safety protocol training. We also require job- and event-specific safety training for employees where relevant.

We strive to track and report safety, health, and security incident data across the company. Our internal risk management team receives incident reports that identify trends and assess root causes, and EHS implements process changes and training as relevant.

On-site healthcare is also available at some office and production sites, as well as medics and medical support at many production sites. For example, following our phased return-to-office in early 2022, we introduced an on-site registered nurse service at our 1515 Broadway office in New York, along with the return of our Wellness Studio, offering exercise and training options.

Security and Emergency Response

Our Global Security Command Center (GSCC) oversees security and emergency response efforts for Paramount Global. It performs 24/7 risk scans to identify potential safety or business threats and maintains a real-time dashboard of the location of Paramount Global team members, corporate travelers, and assets, including in offices and on productions around the world. The team maps this information against global security risks like crime, terrorism, police activity, protests, strikes, traffic, severe weather, and other emergencies. For example, or team has been closely monitoring the 2022 war in Ukraine, where daily updates are provided of the on the-ground situation, including locations of our employees located there and in Russia. This continuous risk assessment includes scanning social media and other sources for potential threats to employees, talent, and events. We then develop real-time response and mitigation plans, and communicate risks as needed.

To prepare for emergency situations, we perform business-unit level assessments of key processes and equipment needed to keep business running in the event of catastrophic events. We undertake regular crisis scenario planning and drills for potential emergencies to help ensure our plans will be effective and properly implemented. We also develop systems for communicating with employees in emergency situations and help manage those crises for those potentially impacted.

Learn more in in Paramount’s 2021-2022 Environmental, Social, and Governance Report

A letter from IBM Chief Impact Officer Justina Nixon-Saintil in the Global Education Coalition Newsletter

Dear Coalition Members,

This year, on World Youth Skills Day, we collectively recognized the importance of preparing teachers, trainers, and youth for a transformative future. There are 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24 years, accounting for 16% of the global population, according to the World Youth Report. These young people possess the potential to drive transformative change worldwide and we must ensure their access to free training that equips them with in-demand skills, such as Artificial Intelligence, that will prepare them for the evolving job market. Teachers and trainers play a key role in inspiring young innovators and cultivating the creative thinking that will solve the world’s biggest challenges.

IBM understands that technology has the power to revolutionize lives, and technical skills are key to accessing good jobs. In 2022, we conducted an international survey and found that 40% of students thought their biggest barrier to technical skill development was not knowing where to begin. In this regard, no-cost educational programs, such as IBM SkillsBuild, present an opportunity to promote equity among youth. To effectively reach young learners, deeper collaboration between the public, private, and non-profit sectors worldwide is necessary.

Together with partners such as UNESCO and the Global Education Coalition, this collaborative approach is the foundation of my team’s work. By partnering with expert organizations, we tailor our offerings and scale solutions that have a positive impact at the local level. And by combining expertise and technology and focusing on the communities most impacted by skill shortages, together we can make a lasting and scalable impact in preparing young people for the world of work.

IBM takes pride in contributing to UNESCO’s Global Skills Academy mission and its vision to provide no-cost, high-quality online training to empower young people with employment-oriented skills. I encourage all Coalition Members to learn about and contribute to this important mission. Together, we can create access to careers for youth and, while the challenges that lay ahead of us are daunting, the future appears promising as we continue our efforts in addressing these issues.

Regards,

Justina Nixon-Saintil

IBM Chief Impact Officer

Read the full MetLife 2022 Sustainability Report

MetLife Creating Value as an Investor

Our Approach

MetLife’s General Account is a key to living up to our promises and our purpose. MetLife’s General Account, which totals over $400 billion dollars, is invested responsibly for the long term. The investments in MetLife’s General Account help us keep the financial promises we have made to our customers all over the world. That’s why we seek out investments that are diverse, stable, secure and offer competitive, risk-adjusted returns. That includes evaluating risks, including financially material ESG factors, that we believe have an impact on investment performance. These factors are important considerations to effectively manage risk and achieve MetLife’s investment objectives.

Governance

MetLife’s Chief Investment Officer also serves as the President of MetLife Investment Management (MIM), our institutional investment management business, which manages most of MetLife’s General Account portfolio. The Chief Investment Officer oversees ESG integration efforts for MetLife’s General Account, with MetLife’s ESG and sustainability-related investment initiatives reported to the Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee of MetLife’s Board of Directors at least annually.

MIM is a well-established global investment manager with specialist investment teams who incorporate relevant, financially material ESG factors into their risk management-focused investment processes. In 2019, MIM was proud to become a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), committing to adopt and implement PRI’s six principles across our investment portfolio. As investment experts, MIM plays a key role in delivering the investment objectives of MetLife’s General Account. This includes, among other things, embedding ESG integration principles in decision-making and being a responsible investor as a means to a long-term, value-driven portfolio.

Net Zero by 2050 or Sooner7—MetLife’s General Account

In support of MetLife’s Net Zero commitment, we have established 2030 Net Zero interim targets for MetLife’s General Account investment portfolio:

Engage emitters responsible for at least 50% of public corporate portfolio financed emissions on climate annually;8 andReduce GHG emissions for managed real estate equity investments 50% by 2030.9

Read more about MetLife’s Net Zero commitment.

1 Represents responsible investments managed by MIM at estimated fair value as of December 31, 2022.

2 For definitions of responsible investments, impact investments and green investments, please see pages 96 and 97 of the Sustainability Report PDF. MIM may periodically refine or otherwise modify its definitions and the components thereof based on data availability or other factors.

3 Annual investments in 2022.

4 Represents 2022 production toward MIM’s $1 billion DEI goal.

5 In April 2022, MIM sourced, on behalf of clients, approximately $200 million in financing to support the decommissioning of the last two coal-fired plants in New Jersey.

6 Represents percentage of MIM-managed and -controlled real estate equity investments as of November 30, 2022.

7 The Net Zero commitment applies to GHG emissions from MetLife, Inc.’s global owned and leased offices and vehicle fleets, employee business travel, supply chain and assets in MetLife’s General Account investment portfolio, which includes the general accounts of MetLife, Inc.’s wholly owned insurance company subsidiaries, where reliable data and methodologies are available. While reliable methodologies and data sets pertaining to certain GHG emissions are not available at this time, MetLife is committed to identifying and measuring relevant climate data as methodologies and standards evolve. Emissions are tracked in accordance with the GHG Protocol, unless otherwise directed by regulators. Additional information about MetLife’s General Account investment portfolio is available here.

8 Applies to MetLife, Inc.’s financed GHG emissions associated with its General Account public corporate portfolio (Scope 3 Category 15), where reliable data and methodologies are available. Emissions are tracked in accordance with the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials standards, unless otherwise directed by regulators. While reliable methodologies and data sets pertaining to certain GHG emissions are not available at this time, MetLife is committed to identifying and measuring relevant climate data as methodologies and standards evolve. Additional information about MetLife’s General Account investment portfolio is available here.

9 Applies to GHG emissions directly generated and associated with power consumed on site (including Scope 1 and 2 emissions and excluding Scope 3 tenant emissions) for owned and controlled real estate investments within MetLife, Inc.’s General Account (Scope 3 Category 15), where reliable data and methodologies are available. Excludes emissions from the operation of leased assets (Scope 3 Category 13). Target has a base year of 2019 and target year of 2030. Emissions are tracked in accordance with the GHG Protocol, unless otherwise directed by regulators. While reliable methodologies and data sets pertaining to certain GHG emissions are not available at this time, MetLife is committed to identifying and measuring relevant climate data as methodologies and standards evolve. Additional information about MetLife’s General Account investment portfolio is available here.

PEORIA, Ill. and BELLEVUE, Wash., July 19, 2023 /3BL/ – What’s the news: Bradley University will be the first university in the nation to leverage T-Mobile 5G Advanced Network Solutions (ANS) to improve digital equity for its students, advance student success outcomes, increase operational efficiencies and enrich innovative learning experiences.

Why it matters: Providing students access to cutting-edge technologies is crucial in preparing today’s learners for the workforce and ensuring equitable opportunities.

Who it’s for: Educational institutions looking to bridge the digital divide and provide advanced connected experiences for students.

From the dining hall to the virtual lecture hall, the students, faculty and staff at Bradley University in Peoria, Ill. can experience the power of 5G, thanks to a new agreement between Bradley and T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS). The university will utilize a 5G Hybrid Mobile Network from T-Mobile as part of its mission to deliver innovative learning experiences for students and improve operational efficiencies through its Digitally Connected Campus initiative. Additionally, it will provide iPad (10th generation) with 5G-connectivity to students, faculty, and certain student-facing staff.

More than half of college students nationwide experience problems from unreliable connectivity. To help bridge the digital divide and create equitable opportunities in education, the university will begin to distribute iPad, along with a keyboard case and an unlimited data plan that includes 5G connectivity, during the fall 2023 semester. This means that students — even those who are virtual or living off-campus — can experience the 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and the power and performance of the A14 Bionic chip, allowing students to access lectures, materials and app-based learning opportunities from virtually anywhere on the nation’s largest 5G network.

“Partnering with T-Mobile will help us provide Bradley’s students with the ability to learn in the same mobile-first environment that is increasingly prevalent in the professional world,” said Christopher Jones, PhD, Vice President for Strategy and Innovation at Bradley University. “Bringing 5G to our students and campus allows us to advance a digitally equitable learning environment and a holistically connected campus.”

“We are thrilled to embark on this transformative partnership with T-Mobile, bringing cutting-edge technology to Bradley University, and revolutionizing the way our students learn, collaborate, and thrive in the digital age,” added Bradley University President Steve Standifird.

On campus, the 5G Hybrid Network’s fast speeds, low latency and reliable connectivity open the door for more immersive classroom experiences, preparing students to be part of the 5G workforce by:

Creating mixed reality classroom experiences such as virtualization of complex machinery to teach learners how it operatesPreparing students for a future in the medical field via lessons on real-world telehealth technologiesUtilizing digital learning tools such as AI-powered note taking and other classroom interaction softwareAdopting powerful graphics-intensive video game development software to continue the innovation at the university’s award-winning game design program.

Bradley also plans to explore how the 5G Hybrid Network could increase operational efficiencies on-campus. For example, Bradley could use sensor-based data analysis to get automatic updates on information such as water quality, leak detection or refrigeration issues and use that data to automatically address any malfunctions.

“Bradley University is a shining example of how the education industry can embrace 5G to drive innovation and improve students’ lives,” said Callie Field, President, T-Mobile Business Group. “Bradley has already identified more than 20 unique use cases that could have an impact both on students’ learning experiences and the university’s operations in the future. And we’re thrilled to help them bring these innovations to life.”

As part of Bradley’s Digitally Connected Campus initiative, the rollout of iPad will begin during the 2023-2024 academic year, starting with full-time Bradley faculty and “discovery cohorts” of students that will represent approximately 25% of the student body. There will then be a full launch in Fall 2024 to include students, full-time faculty, and many student-facing staff members.

For more information on T-Mobile 5G ANS and how it can better connect your school, office or city, visit www.t-mobile.com.

Follow T-Mobile’s Official Twitter Newsroom @TMobileNews to stay up to date with the latest company news.

# # #

During congestion, heavy data users (>50GB/mo. for most plans) and customers choosing lower-prioritized plans may notice lower speeds than other customers; see plan for details. Video typically streams on smartphone/tablet in SD quality. See 5G device, coverage, & access details at T-Mobile.com.

About T-Mobile

T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is America’s supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. T-Mobile’s customers benefit from its unmatched combination of value and quality, unwavering obsession with offering them the best possible service experience and undisputable drive for disruption that creates competition and innovation in wireless and beyond. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Sprint. For more information please visit: https://www.t-mobile.com

About Bradley University

Bradley University is a top-ranked, private university in Peoria, Illinois, offering nearly 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students opportunities, choices, and resources to build their futures. Innovation, action, and collaboration drive Bradley students to generate ideas and create solutions that remake the world around them. Our comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate academic programs includes business, communications, education, engineering, fine arts, health sciences, liberal arts and sciences, and technology.

Media Contacts 
T-Mobile US, Inc. Media Relations 
MediaRelations@t-mobile.com

Bradley University Media Relations 
lderry@bradley.edu

Investor Relations Contact 
T-Mobile US, Inc. 
investor.relations@t-mobile.com 
https://investor.t-mobile.com

Originally published on DICK’S Sporting Goods Sideline Report

This past June, A Step Beyond was hosting its annual dance recital in Escondido, California to showcase the intricate dance numbers they had practiced routinely over the past year. All of the discipline and attention to detail had led to this moment. Little did those in attendance know, but the high-quality performances wouldn’t be the only surprise of the night.

As Teaching Artists Jennifer Oliver and Karla Navarro read a note from The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation, they immediately became emotional. As they made their way through the message and then translated it to Spanish for the majority Hispanic crowd in attendance, it was revealed that A Step Beyond was just given $75,000 as part of the 75for75 Sports Matter Grant Program.

A Step Beyond provides students with much more than just an education in dance. It provides a safe space and guiding road for kids from a young age. The group’s mission is to get kids involved with the program in the 3rd grade and keep them engaged for the next ten years on their way to graduating from high school. This year marked the first class of graduates as six students that had been with the program for the past nine years had stayed on the path and graduated from their respective high schools.

Beyond the support services provided, A Step Beyond also allows the students to build friendships with others from similar backgrounds.

According to James Wright, CEO of A Step Beyond, it’s a program that is unique and impactful.

“Dance is a beautiful and powerful way of preparing youth for success in life,” said Wright. “The program helps the students as they receive dance education, academic support, and family services such as counseling and emergency food, housing, or utility assistance.”

Brad Coonradt, Senior Community Marketing Manager at DICK’S Sporting Goods, was part of the group that was able to surprise A Step Beyond with the grant that will enable them to expand their participation and impact more lives in the greater Escondido area.

“We were able to work with a member of the group to keep everything a surprise and at the conclusion of the recital we delivered the card to their leadership. As they were reading it, everyone started cheering and it was just an amazing moment,” said Coonradt. “There were board members there and once they found out we were from DICK’S, they were giving us hugs, there were tears, and they were just blown away at what this could do to help the program and how they could impact even more lives.”

The impact of this grant will be felt for years to come as it will allow participation to be grown beyond what was already planned.

“Every year, we can only accept between 40 to 50 students, so every dollar that’s donated allows us to bring in additional students,” Wright said after the grant presentation.

The 75for75 Sports Matter Grant Program was launched in March in support of DICK’S Sports Change Lives campaign and in honor of the company’s 75th anniversary. The program was developed to provide 75 grants worth $75,000 each to under-resourced youth sports programs across the country.

To learn more and support the 75for75 Sports Matter Grant Program and The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation, visit www.sportsmatter.org.

July 19, 2023 /3BL/ – Points of Light, the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to accelerating people-powered change, announced today that Anita Whitehead, president and chair of the KPMG U.S. Foundation will serve as the chair of the Points of Light Corporate Service Council. Started in 2005, the Corporate Service Council is a membership program for businesses that provides top CSR and corporate citizenship leaders with actionable resources, sector trends and insights, in-person and virtual learning events, peer networking opportunities and access to a network of industry experts to spark innovation and advance social impact goals.

“Anita Whitehead is a leader in the corporate social responsibility field and brings expertise that will benefit all of Points of Light’s Corporate Service Council members,” said Diane Quest, interim president and CEO of Points of Light. “Her insights into best practices in corporate giving and employee engagement will help our council companies engage more deeply and effectively in communities around the globe. We are grateful for her leadership as the Corporate Service Council chair.”

In addition to her role as chair of the KPMG U.S. Foundation, Anita serves as the KPMG lead for Social Impact services, where she focuses on the needs of nonprofit and corporate clients as they fulfill their charitable purpose. In her 22 years with the firm, Anita has advised some of the world’s top companies on industry-leading practices in corporate responsibility strategy and corporate philanthropy.

“Our commitment to having a positive impact on our communities is core to our values at KPMG. Our people work together, for better every day to build trusted relationships and drive lasting change in our communities that is measurable, sustainable and transformational,” said Anita. “We continue to find the most impactful ways to serve those around us, which is why I’m thrilled to continue collaborating with Points of Light and support the Corporate Service Council in this role.”

Points of Light is grateful for the leadership of outgoing Corporate Service Council Chair Charlene Lake, AT&T Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, and Chair of the AT&T Foundation. Her support helped Points of Light shepherd civic engagement leaders through a time of unprecedented challenges, from COVID-19 and its crushing health and educational impacts to societal unrest as companies reckoned with and address racial injustices.

About Points of Light  

Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 145 affiliates across 39 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 3.7 million people in 16.7 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. For more information, visit pointsoflight.org. 

About KPMG LLP

KPMG LLP is the U.S. firm of the KPMG global organization of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. The KPMG global organization operates in 143 countries and territories and has more than 265,000 people working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. KPMG is widely recognized for being a great place to work and build a career. Our people share a sense of purpose in the work we do, and a strong commitment to community service, inclusion and diversity and eradicating childhood illiteracy. Learn more at www.kpmg.com/us.